A stadium in Kaohsiung, Taiwan is the first in the world to completely power itself 100% via solar power. The stadium was built to coincide with the 2009 World Games, which will be held at the stadium in July. When not hosting the World Games the stadium will be used (like most other stadiums) for sporting events and athletics.
The stadium, designed by Japanese architect Toyo Ito, is spread over 19 hectares (about 47 acres if I calculated correctly) and it can seat 50,000 spectators. It is built on a steel-rod structure and contains 8,844 solar panels (a 14,155 sq meter solar roof).
It costs $150 million to build the stadium, but since the power drawn in from the sun into the stadiums panels is more than enough to power the stadium's 3,300 lights as well as the two giant televisions screens I imagine there will not be any worry about high electric bills. In fact the panels can generate 1.14 million kWh of electricity per year. This will prevent 660 tons of carbon dioxide from being discharged into the atmosphere. In addition, when the stadium is not in use, the Taiwanese government will sell the surplus power. This power can power the surrounding neighborhood with up to 80 per cent of its energy needs.Solar panels are not the only way this stadium is planet-friendly either. Permeable pavement is used throughout the stadium and the materials used to make the stadium are reusable as well as locally made (in Taiwan). In addition there is also a lot of parkland with trails and trees around the stadium.
The stadium is also people friendly. Unlike many stadiums where finding shade can become a competitive sport, this stadium provides shade for spectators through its fanlike structure. This allows people to be in the shade most of the day (protection against skin cancer) making games all the more enjoyable to watch.
For more pictures of the stadium visit the Skyscraper Forum.
Also watch the YouTube video below.
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